Judges Order Temporary SNAP Funding Amid Halt

The USDA moved to halt November SNAP payments amid the multiweek federal shutdown, threatening roughly 42 million Americans who rely on the program. Two federal judges have ordered the administration to continue funding SNAP using contingency funds, providing temporary relief, but timing is uncertain, appeals are possible, and EBT reloads could take one to two weeks. Only five states and Washington, D.C., have pledged to cover some or all November benefits on their own; most states say they cannot absorb the cost or face technical barriers. Food banks, pantries, community groups and nonprofits are preparing for sharp increases in demand—mobilizing volunteers, donations and partnerships with businesses—but warn these efforts are unsustainable and cannot fully replace SNAP. Seniors, people with disabilities and unpaid federal workers are among the most vulnerable, and missed paychecks and rising health insurance costs are increasing pressure on lawmakers to resolve funding.